SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
January 25, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 3
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
U.S. Navy Fire & Emergency Services (FES) Sigonella Fire Capt. Tom Tracy (center) instructs service members attached to U.S. Navy FES Sigonella during a Confined Space Rescue Course at Marinai Housing, January 14. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)
NASSIG FES conducts rescue training by mc3 cameron bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
U
.S. Navy Fire & Emergency Services (FES) Sigonella firefighters participated in a Confined Space Rescue (CSR) Course at Marinai Housing from January 7-17. As defined by the National Fire Protection Association, a confined space is any work location or enclosure (i.e. tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, wells, crawl spaces and pits) in which the dimensions are such that a six foot tall person cannot fully stand up. FES participation in the CSR Course included a simulated rescue of a victim trapped in a deep well. “Utilizing a 200 pound mannequin, we simulated that a worker had become trapped as a result of an earthquake, during at which time the fire department was called,” said Shane Rayfield, FES Sigonella Training Assistant Fire Chief. FES Sigonella assembled at the scene rapidly
assessing the situation, and were able to utilize their confined space rescue skills.” Twenty-six personnel within the FES Sigonella Department, along with members from NAS Sigonella Public Works and Base Safety took part in the course. Two Italian Air Force 41st Stormo personnel were also invited to train during the course. Upon successful completion of the CSR Course, members received CSR Pro Board Certifications, which will enable FES Sigonella to stand up a fully functional CSR Team. “The preparation for this type of rescue is very extensive as it requires special technical knowledge in confined space entry and rescue and practical rope rescue systems,” said Rayfield. “The success of this course is reassuring to know that the lives and properties of the Sigonella community are in good hands when or if a true
emergency occurs in regards to a confined space rescue incident.” "FES Sigonella firefighters know that this and other types of technical rescue scenarios require three big factors: specialized personnel, training, and equipment,” Rayfield said. “This is also known as the Hazard Curve Paradox. A compromise of any of these big three in this paradox may compromise the mission further injuring victims and rescue team members.” The overall goal of the drill and any CSR is to remove any victim from a hazardous predicament as quickly as possible without causing further injury as well as assuring maximum safety to rescue personnel. “This has been a great couple weeks for our guys,” Rayfield said. “I know they are ready now, if a situation like this should ever occur at [NAS] Sigonella.”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Life is about experiencing all the things you find interesting and fascinating. Just get out there and experience as much as you can. Participate in life.” - Louie Zamperini
Special guest visits NASSIG
Volcano activity
Family Fitness
VADM Pandolfe visits Patrol Squadron FOUR
Strombolian activity on Etna’s Bocca Nova
Fitness for families with young children
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